Yeah. I've got an opinion. UCLA JUST added on the BA. They've been known for only having graduate work over the years. I looked at what the BA entails. In my mind, it's weak. Not only that, it's on the quarter system, which sucks. It's a better place for the M.Arch.

Michigan has had the BS for a long time. As far as overall reputation as a university, they are now about the same. Michigan's program seems to be more slightly more substantial, though it has been diluted minimally in practicality over the last few decades. Nah, the BA or BS is just a moniker. Michigan also uses semesters. The only advantage I see that UCLA has is LA, with its weather and the metro area. As for everything else, I'd say UMich.

However, if you are already IN California, then go to UCLA because it's a deal for in-state students. From out of state, such as neither CA nor MI, go to Michigan.

How long has it been around? Their website (from glancing at the M.Arch. curriculum) indicates that the BA Arch is "newish." You don't get any argument from me that UCLA is a good school and that LA is quite the place. However, the depth of this program (number of studios, courses, and whatnot) does not seem too deep. For some reason, the UCs seem to lack meat on their bones in terms of undergrad architectural curricula (that includes Berkeley) and many people choose not to go to Berkeley nor hire from Berkeley for that reason. The point of going to architecture school, in my mind, is twofold: strengthening an already inherent aptitude for design and acquiring skills. I wouldn't want just one or the other. I recommend that the OP puts the curricula side by side.

viviarch, per your graduate study interests in GSAPP, GSD, and Cornell...I am currently at GSAPP, which has a history of accepting architecture students from Michigan's program. I am not sure if GSD is the same, but provided the close relationship between Michigan and GSD I reckon that it is. Cornell's program is good as good too, but I have no bases to comment.

On the other hand, both undergraduate programs you mention are quite similar, in fact any undergraduate architecture program that is not B.arch tends to be similar then different, in which I would suggest you don't base your decision on where you hope to ultimately end up. I will say however, most of my friends who completed undergraduate architecture at Michigan loved it. Remember the number one thing is a strong portfolio! I'd suggest you base your decision on going somewhere that will enrich your experience in ways that your graduate schools will not.